Ex-cop Michael Slager sentenced to 20 years for shooting death of Walter Scott

Former South Carolina police officer Michael Slager was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for the deadly shooting of unarmed black man Walter Scott.

U.S. District Judge David Norton ruled that Slager committed second-degree murder and obstruction of justice, when he shot and killed 50-year-old Scott in 2015. The second-degree murder ruling came with a recommended 19 to 24 year sentence.

At one point during the sentencing Scott's mother looked the former officer in the eye and told him she forgave him. Families on both sides of the court burst into tears.

One of Walter Scott's brothers, Rodney Scott, told the court that the death of his brother the worst day of his life. Rodney Scott said he wants Slager to pay for his actions.

Acquired by ABC News

This undated photo shows Walter Scott who was shot and killed by a police officer on April 4, 2015 in North Charleston, S.C.

Slager’s father, mother, sister and wife also spoke to the judge, begging for a lighter sentence. They talked about how Slager led a life of service and how upset they were after the shooting. Michael Slager's wife, Jamie Slager, told the judge, “He had to make a decision in a split second. I couldn’t imagine having to make a decision that fast.”

The judge's decision comes after Michael Slager, who is white, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense.

Michael Slager shot and killed Walter Scott on April 4, 2015, while Slager was an officer with the North Charleston Police Department. Michael Slager claimed self-defense, but witness cellphone video that surfaced shortly after the encounter showed the officer fatally shooting Walter Scott in the back as he ran away. He was fired from the force after the shooting.

Handout from family

A sequence of images made from a bystander video shows Officer Michael Slager pursuing and then shooting Walter Scott in North Charleston, S.C. on April 4, 2015.

Michael Slager was charged in South Carolina with murder and pleaded not guilty. During the state murder trial, Michael Slager's attorney said his client shot Walter Scott because he was in fear for his life. In 2016, the case ended in a mistrial. The state retrial and federal trial were expected to take place this year, but instead, in May Michael Slager pleaded guilty to violating Walter Scott's civil rights in federal court, ending the federal case against him and also resolving the state charges that were pending after the mistrial.

Before hearing his sentence in federal court, Michael Slager called each family member out by name and apologized, thanking them for forgiving him. “I wish this never would have happened," he said. “I wish I could go back to the day and change the events, but I can’t.”

At a news conference after the sentencing, Rodney Scott said his family is "pleased."

"We got justice," he said.

Randall Hill/Reuters

The family of Walter Scott arrives at the Charleston federal court house building for the 4th day of testimony during the sentencing hearing for former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager in Charleston, S.C, Dec. 7, 2017.

He said his family is "thankful for the justice system that worked on our behalf," but added that "a lot of work" still needs to be done in the justice system.

Another one of Walter Scott's brothers, Anthony Scott, thanked Feiden Santana, the witness who filmed the shooting, for being "brave" enough to film what he saw.

CComments

Diva Denise

2017-12-10T22:38:02

Well I'll be. This cop actually got time?! I'm absolutely SHOCKED! I will be sure to keep my phone on the ready from now on. The body and dash cam didn't catch what ACTUALLY happened. An innocent bystander did that, and a mannerable one at that. He showed it to the Scott family first before making his decision to make it known that this cop shot Mr. Walter Scott - in cold blood - in the back. Kudos to you, Sir. And my condolences to the Scott family. For the cop, SO glad your fake tears didn't work on everybody.

Our black community in this country, which accounts for 13% of the population commits over 50% of all murders. Hard for law enforcement to not be a bit nervous when you have a man with active warrants out for his arrest. Being sworn to uphold the law, are you just supposed to let a fleeing criminal run away?

There was absolutely no reason to even pursue Walter Scott, as they already had his car in custody, a 1991 Mercedes. They could have had the car towed to an impoundment lot and arrested Scott when he came to retrieve it.